User-controlled water saving toilet

ABSTRACT

Methods and various devices for conserving water during the process of toilet flushing are disclosed. The method herein emphasizes retrofitting a toilet of the type typically having a reservoir, tank float, overflow tube, flush handle, lever arm, and a means of linkage to a flapper valve. Rigid internal components of the means of linkage are the primary improvements presented herein. The disclosed rigid devices replace the chain as the means of linkage in the toilet reservoir and thereby function, throughout the entire flush cycle, as a direct operator of the flapper valve, giving the user proactive control over the amount of water used in flushing. Devices, or kits, utilized in carrying out the water conserving method are disclosed which are easily installable into existing toilets of older design. The inventive concept empowers the user of a toilet to control the sufficiency of the total flush and consequently, the corresponding volume of water used, while operating the toilet with current flush controls.

RELATED U.S. APPLICATION DATA

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No.60/989,003 filed Nov 19, 2007.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS U.S. Patent Documents

U.S. Pat. # Date Classification Inventor 3,885,253 May 27, 1975 4/67 Overbey, C. 4,467,482 Aug. 28, 1984 4/393 Dyer, A. 4,485,501 Dec. 4,1984 4/324 Kloner, I. 4,928,327 May 29, 1990 4/395 Kuhn, D. 5,185,891Feb. 16, 1993 4/324 Rise, L. 5,289,594 Mar. 01, 1994 4/415 Wiewiorowski,T., et al 5,341,522 Aug. 30, 1994 4/415 Munro, J. 5,836,021 Nov. 17,1998 4/411 Davidson, G., et al. 5,996,135 Dec. 07, 1999 4/324 Hsleh, E.6,151,724 Nov. 28, 2000 4/323 Klingenstein, R. 7,200,877 Apr. 10, 20074/325 Peng, K.

U.S. Patent Application Publications

Publication # Pub. Date Calssification Inventor 2007/0101486 May 10,2007 4/392 Torres, A. 2007/0261158 Nov 15, 2007 4/326 Kimura, M, et al.

Foreign Patent Documents

Not applicable.

STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

There is no federally sponsored research or development in conjunctionwith this inventive concept.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The fundamental disclosures of this inventive concept involve severalmethods of giving the user of a conventional toilet control of theflushing process while utilizing the flush handle currently installed onthe vast majority of flush toilets. Simple, inexpensive modifications tothe existing chain/flapper-based toilets of any reservoir capacity aredemonstrated, which modifications provide a unique and effective meansof conserving water.

Water is one of the world's most precious resources. At the time of thiswriting, the entire southeast part of the United States is in an extremedrought, as defined by the United States Weather Bureau. It has beensaid that water is the next oil. Conservation measures are moving to theforefront, including water saving shower heads, toilets with reservoircapacities reduced to 1.6 gallons, faucet aerators, and similar devicesand methods.

(2) Description of the Related Art, Including Information DisclosedUnder 37 C.F.R. §1.97 and §1.98

Prior art can be traced back to 3000 B.C., when the Indus Valleycivilization, near the present Pakistan, used flush toilets in mosthomes. A relatively sophisticated sewage system accepted the water ladenwaste from the villages so equipped. Various designs of toilets for thehandling of human waste evolved over hundreds of years. In 1775, aBritish inventor, A. Cummings, invented the S-trap to seal the outlet ofthe toilet bowl from the fumes of the sewers into which the toiletsemptied.

Thomas Crapper, an industrial plumber, made numerous improvements to theflushing toilet, or water closet, including roof vent systems for sewergasses and pull-chain flushing mechanisms. Flush toilets did not catchon in America until U.S. troops returning from World War I beganespousing the advantages of water closets they had observed being usedin Europe.

For the past fifty years, the main focus of manufacturers of toilets inthe United States has been to ensure that a sufficient quantity of waterwas available in the reservoir and that the flapper stayed open longenough to give a “complete” flush. At this date, the overwhelmingmajority of flappers are made of buoyant materials to allow an extendedperiod of time for water to flow through the drain orifice. Manyflappers are also constructed with an air pocket, all to ensure buoyancyafter the lever arm and chain lift the flapper off the drain orifice.

However, with the ever increasing consumption of water worldwide,considerable attention has been given to conservation, particularlyefficient flush toilets. Thus, the toilet manufacturing industry has putsome effort into developing so called “early-closer” flappers.

In U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,090,066 and 5,173,971 (Schoepe, et al, 1992), acomplicated flapper design is disclosed which uses a combination of aleaf spring and a closing delay cup to vary the amount of water used inthe flushing process. The closing delay cup is manufactured with aplurality of holes which can be plugged or left unplugged to set theamount of delay prior to closing of the flush valve. Increasing amountsof water weight entering the delay cup causes a delay in the closing ofthe flush valve, releasing a proportionately greater quantity of waterfrom the reservoir.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,073,995 (Jennison, 1991) discloses a toilet with awater-fillable device slidingly attached to the overflow tube andpositioned directly over the flapper valve. As the toilet is flushed andthe water level decreases, the device slides down the overflow tube andnudges the valve closed. A similar operating principle is shown in U.S.Pat. No. 5,086,524 (C. Stevens, 1992) differing in that two slidingdevices are utilized, the lower one with an actuating flange to closethe flapper valve.

A method of retrofitting flush toilets to give partial control of thevolume of water used during flushing is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,289,594 (Wiewiorowski, T., et al, 1994). The retrofitted apparatuscomprises a mechanically positionable tab on the exterior of the toiletwhich determines the tension on a flexible interior line directlyconnected to a buoyant member. The buoyant member lifts the non-buoyantflapper valve in accordance with the line tension, thus controlling thevolume of water used.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventive concept presented herein discloses novel methods ofpreventing unnecessary use of substantial quantities of water in a flushtoilet. The thrust of the inventive concept is to give control of theflushing mechanism to a user, particularly under circumstances wherethere is minimal waste or essentially liquid waste to be flushed. Thetoilet user is given the option to close the flapper valve early,effectively turning the flush handle into a water valve controlled bythe user. The efficacy of the present invention disclosures is such thatthe control given to the user makes the flush handle more of an instant“on-off” switch for controlling flush water.

The primary device, which is an improvement upon the “standard” flushtoilets in use today, is an implementation of a vertically-orientedrigid member as replacement of the means of linkage (predominantly, achain) between the lever arm of the toilet and the flapper valve.Various embodiments of the rigid member are disclosed herein, all ofwhich adequately function to give the user control of the flushingprocess. Several methods or processes of retrofitting existing flushtoilets with the mechanisms and devices herein disclosed are alsopresented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. is an illustration of the components of the typical, or standardflush toilet which has been in use in the United States for decades;

FIG. 2 presents a view of an embodiment of the instant invention,featuring a vertically-oriented rigid member linking the lever arm andthe flapper valve;

FIG. 3 shows a variation in the design of the rigid member, comprisingan opening in the upper section of the rigid member, said openingsufficient to accommodate the lever arm.

FIG. 3( a) is an enlarged view of the manner in which the lever arminserts into a slotted rigid member embodiment;

FIG. 3( b) demonstrates cotter pins employed to assist in retention ofthe lever arm in the opening of the rigid member;

FIG. 3( c) illustrates two rubber rings performing the same function.

FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of the rigid member comprising a tube whichenvelopes a chain, the combination of which perform the intendedfunctions of the inventive concept;

FIG. 5 is a representation of the rigid member with a short segment of aspring at both the upper and lower extremities of the rigid member;

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the rigid member with adjustmentholes at each end of the member and further, a short segment of a linkchain at both the upper and lower extremities of the rigid member;

FIG. 7 depicts a heavily-weighted chain, a portion of the lower segmentof the chain resting on the top surface of the flapper valve.

FIG. 8 presents a combination of a rigid member inter-laced within thelinks of a chain, as the device lifts the flapper valve from its seatedposition.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the rigid member concept in the formof a perforated rigid member interwoven with a length of beaded chain.FIGS. 9( a) and 9(b) illustrate enlarged head-on and cross-sectionalviews of the device.

NUMERICAL REFERENCES TO COMPONENTS

-   1. Reservoir-   2. Water-   3. Surface of water-   4. Flapper valve-   5. Drain orifice-   6. Flush handle-   7. Lever arm-   8. Chain-   9. Overflow tube-   10. Tank ball float-   11. Tank ball float arm-   12. Fill valve-   13. Bowl rinse line-   14. “Y”-Yoke-   15. Rigid member-   16. Attachment mechanism-   17. Elastomeric connector-   18. Toilet bowl (not shown)-   19. Slotted rigid member-   20. Opening-   21. Rigid tube assembly-   22. Rigid tube-   23. Enclosed chain-   24. Fastener-   25. Spring-   26. Adjustment hole-   27. Short chain length-   28. Weighted chain-   29. Cotter pin-   30. Rubber ring-   31. Hook-   32. Beaded chain

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIVE CONCEPT

The discussion of the present inventive concept can best be initiatedwith a reference to FIG. 1 which presents a basic illustration of atypical flush toilet commonly used in the United States. The reservoir 1contains an available volume of water 2 for flushing. The water 2 isprevented from exiting the reservoir 1 by the flapper valve 4 which isfirmly maintained in its seated position atop the drain orifice 5 byhydrostatic pressure. Upon a user's downward push of the flush handle 6,the lever arm 7 rotates upward, imparting a vertical pull on the chain8. The chain 8, being connected to the flapper valve 4, consequentlylifts the flapper valve 4, which, being pivotally attached to theoverflow tube 9, “pops up” from its seated position. The flapper valve4, being buoyant, becomes suspended by flotation on the surface of thewater 3 while the weight of the water 2 provides a head of pressure toinitiate the flow of water 2 through the drain orifice 5.

During the flush process, a tank float, shown in FIG. 1 as a tank ballfloat 10, descends on the water surface 3 in the reservoir 1 as thevolume of water 2 recedes. The tank ball float 10, being connected to atank ball float arm 11, also causes a fill valve 12 to open, allowing aresupply of water 2 to begin entering the reservoir 1. In many types oftoilets, a disc-shaped float slidingly operates up and down acylindrical tower structure within the reservoir, performing the samefunction as a tank ball float 10. For illustrative purposes of thisdisclosure, and not by means of limitation, a tank ball float will bethe reference term used when discussion involves a tank float.

At a certain level of the lowering water surface 3, the flapper valve 4,while floating on the water surface 3, rotates about the axis of its“y”-yoke 14 downward, becomes proximate to the drain orifice 5, andagain becomes seated over the drain orifice 5. The inflow of water 2continues until the reservoir 1 is returned to the pre-set level for thenext flush, as governed by the upward flotation of the tank ball float10, which closes the fill valve 12.

In viewing FIG. 2, it is observed that the means of linkage has beensubstantially replaced with a rigid member 15 which is connected, at itsupper end, to the lever arm 7 by a suitable attachment means 16. Inreferring to a “suitable” attachment means, such device may be, by wayof illustration and not limitation, a chain, a spring, a hook, a pin, oran elastomeric connector. A flexible type attachment means will allowfor better alignment between the lever arm 7, the rigid member 15, andthe flapper valve 4, thus insuring a precise closure of the flappervalve 4 on the drain orifice 5. With regard to the term “rigid member,”the material used to fabricate any rigid member 15 set forth in thesedisclosures envisions a material that may have some degree offlexibility, but nevertheless with sufficient stiffness as to allow thelever arm 7 to act on the rigid member 15 and transmit a relativelyundiminished force to the flapper valve 4.

Further, the rigid member 15 may be connected, at its lower end, to theflapper valve 4 by a flexible means, such as a short length of chain, aspring, or an elastomeric device, so as to allow a “pop up” action ofthe usually buoyant flapper valve 4 to occur unimpeded. Said flexiblemeans also may aid in the alignment between the rigid member 15 and theflapper valve 4, insuring a precise closure of the flapper valve 4 ontothe drain orifice 5.

As depicted in FIG. 2, when the flush handle 6 is pushed, the lever arm7, through its attachment to the rigid member 15, lifts the flappervalve 4 off the drain orifice 5. The flexible chain 27 allows sufficientfreedom of movement for the flapper valve 4 to rotate upward, therebyallowing reservoir water 2 to rush down the drain orifice 5.

In the frequent case where the toilet bowl 18 contains minimal waste, orliquid waste, the toilet bowl will be quickly purged upon the firstinflux of rushing reservoir water 2, which creates a significant siphonaction in the toilet bowl 18. At that point, should the rigid member 15be buoyant, the inventive concept requires the user to push the flushhandle 6 upward, causing the lever arm 7 to impart a downward force uponthe rigid member 15. The rigid member 15 then nudges the flapper valve 4into the downward stream of exiting reservoir water, which pulls theflapper valve 4 back onto the drain orifice 5.

On the other hand, should the rigid member 15 be of a non-buoyantcomposition, the user may simply release the flush handle 6, therebyallowing gravity to impel the rigid member 15, lever arm 7, and flappervalve 4 downward, closing the drain orifice 5. It is to be pointed outthat this inventive concept functions effectively on the flapper valve 4regardless of whether the rigid member 15 is of buoyant or non-buoyantcomposition. Depending on the buoyancy of any of the describedembodiments of the rigid member 15, the act of releasing the flushhandle 6, or pushing up on the flush handle 6, as the case may be, willinitiate the same sequence of events, giving the user control over theflush cycle and thereby saving substantial amounts of water.

FIG. 3 presents a separate embodiment of a rigid member in the form of aslotted rigid member 19, being the best mode of operation for thisinventive concept. The slotted rigid member 19 is integrated into theflush mechanism by the insertion of the distal end of the lever arm 7into an opening 20 constructed within the upper section of the slottedrigid member 19. When the flush handle 6 is pushed downward, the leverarm 7 lifts the slotted rigid member 19, in turn lifting the flappervalve 4, thus initiating the flush cycle. A short length of chain 27, orother flexible device, forms a loose junction between the lower end ofthe slotted rigid member 19 and the flapper valve 4, thus allowingsufficient rotational clearance of the flapper valve 4 for wateroutflow. As soon as the waste matter is cleared from the toilet bowl 18,the user may release, or push upward on the flush handle 6, allowing theslotted rigid member 19 to press the flapper valve 4 back onto its seatover the drain orifice 5.

FIG. 3( a) is an enlarged view of the lever arm 7 in position to lift orlower the slotted rigid member 19 to effectuate opening or closing ofthe flapper valve 4. To ensure the retention of the lever arm 7 withinthe opening 20, a suitable retaining mechanism may easily engage boththe distal end of the lever arm 7 and the interior of the opening 20.FIG. 3( b), illustrating a pair of cotter pins 29, and FIG. 3( c)showing two rubber rings 30, are typical retaining mechanisms which maybe used to hold the lever arm 7 within the opening 20.

As we view FIG. 4, another embodiment of the rigid member 15 is shown,in the form of a rigid tube assembly 21. The rigid tube assembly 21comprises (1) a rigid tube 22 having a length measuring slightly lessthan the distance between the distal end of the lever arm 7 and the topsurface of the flapper valve 4 and (2) an enclosed chain 23, the chain23 being attached to the rigid tube 22 by means of a fastener 24, whichmay be a cotter pin 24, passing through both a cross-sectional segmentof the rigid tube 22 and a suitable link of the chain 23.

In an operating installation, the enclosed chain 23 of the rigid tube 22is attached at one end to the distal end of the lever arm 7 and at itsopposite end, to the top surface of the flapper valve 4. During theflushing process, the chain 23 translates the upward action of the leverarm 7 into an upward force, pulling the flapper valve 4 off its seat. Toeffectuate the early closing of the flapper valve 4, the user may eitherrelease, or exert a slight upward force on, the flush handle 6,(depending on the buoyancy of the rigid tube assembly 21), therebycausing the flapper valve 4 to close the drain orifice 5.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of the inventive concept wherein the meansof linkage is a rigid member 15 attached at its upper end to the leverarm 7 by means of a spring 25 and attached at its lower end to theflapper valve 4, also by means of a spring 25. Effective functioning ofthis embodiment may also be accomplished by utilizing singularly, or inany combination, a hook, a short length of chain, or an elastomericconnector in place of the spring 25 depicted in FIG. 5.

In viewing FIG. 6, there is presented a rigid member 15 havingadjustment holes 26 placed at both the upper and lower ends of the rigidmember 15. The rigid member 15 is attached, at its upper end, to thelever arm 7 by means of a short length of chain 27. The adjustment holes26 provide means by which the effective length of the rigid member 15may be adjusted as necessary by attaching either or both short lengthsof chain 27 in an appropriate adjustment hole 26, thus rendering therigid member 15 compatible, in length, with varying types or sizes oftoilet reservoirs 1.

FIG. 7 presents a view of a weighted chain 28 having a length slightlyin excess of the distance between the lever arm 7 and the top of abuoyant flapper valve 4. As shown, the flushing mechanism is in reposewith the flapper valve 4 seated atop the drain orifice 5. A portion ofthe excess length of the weighted chain 28 rests atop the flapper valve4. As the flush cycle is initiated by the flush handle 6 and the upwardrotation of the lever arm 7, the excess length of weighted chain 28 islifted from the flapper valve 4, allowing the flapper valve 4 to pivotupward, permitting water to exit through the drain orifice 5 forflushing. Should the user terminate the flush cycle early, a releasingof the flush handle 6 causes the weighted chain 28 to place a load onthe flapper valve 4, thereby closing the drain orifice 5 and terminatingthe flush.

In a different embodiment of the rigid member 15, a chain 8 isintertwined with the rigid member 15, as depicted in FIG. 8. Thecross-sectional area of the rigid member 15 is of a size, and the linksof the chain 8 are of adequate inner diameter, to permit insertion ofthe length of the rigid member 15 into sequential links of the chain 8.The chain 8 may be attached at its upper end to the lever arm 7 by meansof a hook 31, or other suitable means, including a spring, a hook, or anelastomeric connector.

In like manner, the chain 8 in FIG. 8 is attached at its lower end tothe flapper valve 4 by any of several suitable means. The length of therigid member 15 is constructed so as to allow some slack in the chain 8at the chain's point of attachment to the flapper valve 4. This allowsfreedom of movement for the “pop-up” action of the flapper valve 4 aboutits pivotal axis at the y-yoke 14 when a flush cycle is initiated. Atthe conclusion of the desired time of flushing, the user (dependent uponthe buoyancy of the rigid member 15) either releases or pushes upward onthe flush handle 6 causing the rigid member 15 to force the flappervalve 4 to return to its seated position atop the drain orifice 5.

FIG. 9, FIG. 9( a), and FIG. 9( b) display an additional embodiment ofthe inventive concept wherein the means of linkage comprises a rigidmember 15 having perforations, said perforations of sufficient size asto allow the insertion of a beaded chain 32 (or a link chain) througheach perforation along the length of the rigid member 15. The rigidmember 15 is of a length which provides a short exposed length of thebeaded chain 32 proximate the flapper valve 4. This feature allows theflapper valve 4 the freedom of movement to “pop up” at the initiation ofthe flush cycle.

It is anticipated that various embodiments, enhancements, andcombinations may be derived from the disclosures presented herein,particularly by those persons skilled in the art. Nevertheless, suchderivative embodiments and devices do not constitute a departure fromthe overall scope, spirit, and intent of the inventive concepts as setforth herein.

1. An improved flush valve mechanism for a toilet of the type typicallyhaving a water reservoir, an orifice for water outflow from thereservoir, a drain valve communicating between said orifice and apassageway to a toilet bowl, an overflow tube, a tank float, apivotally-operated flapper valve, an external flush handle, a lever armconnected at its proximal end to said flush handle and connected at itsdistal end to a means of linkage, and said means of linkage furtherconnected to said flapper valve, the improvement residing in the meansof linkage, which comprises a vertically-oriented, rigid member havingan upper end and a bottom end, and having a length approximately equalto the distance between the distal end of said lever arm and the topsurface of said flapper valve when said flapper valve is in the closedposition; a means of connecting the upper end of said rigid member tothe distal end of said lever arm; and a means of connecting the bottomend of said rigid member to said flapper valve.
 2. The apparatus as inclaim 1 wherein the means of connecting the upper end of said rigidmember to the distal end of said lever arm comprises any of a type ofmechanism selected from the group consisting of a short length of chain,a spring, a hook, an elastomeric connector, or a corresponding openingin said rigid member.
 3. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the meansof connecting the bottom end of said rigid member to said flapper valvecomprises any of a type of mechanism selected from the group consistingof a short length of chain, a spring, a hook, or an elastomericconnector.
 4. The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the means ofconnecting the upper end of said rigid member to the distal end of saidlever arm further comprises at least one opening in the upper end ofsaid rigid member, said opening of sufficient structure and dimensionsas to allow a) insertion of the distal end of said lever arm; and b)accommodation of a retaining mechanism for securing the distal end ofsaid lever arm within the confines of said opening.
 5. The apparatus asin claim 3, wherein the means of connecting the upper end of said rigidmember to the distal end of said lever arm further comprises at leastone opening in the upper end of said rigid member, said opening ofsufficient structure and dimensions as to allow a) insertion of thedistal end of said lever arm; and b) accommodation of a retainingmechanism for securing the distal end of said lever arm within theconfines of said opening.
 6. The apparatus as in claim 2 or claim 4,wherein the means of connecting the bottom end of said rigid member tosaid flapper valve comprises any of a type of mechanism selected fromthe group consisting of a short length of chain, a spring, a hook, or anelastomeric connector.
 7. An improved flush valve mechanism for a toiletof the type typically having a water reservoir, an orifice for wateroutflow from the reservoir, a drain valve communicating between saidorifice and a passageway to a toilet bowl, an overflow tube, a tankfloat, a pivotally-operated flapper valve, an external flush handle, alever arm connected at its proximal end to said flush handle andconnected at its distal end to a means of linkage, and said means oflinkage further connected to said flapper valve, the improvementresiding in the means of linkage, which comprises a rigid tubeencompassing a chain, further comprising a) said rigid tube having (i) alength slightly less than the distance between the distal end of saidlever arm and the top surface of said flapper valve when said flappervalve is in the closed position and (ii) an inner diameter sufficient toslidingly accommodate the outside diameter of each link of said chain; ameans of connecting one end of said chain to the distal end of saidlever arm; and a means of connecting the opposite end of said chain tosaid flapper valve.
 8. The apparatus as in claim 7, further comprising asuitable means of attachment whereby said rigid tube is affixed to saidchain.
 9. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the means of linkagefurther comprises said rigid member having a transverse cross-sectionalarea of such dimension as to allow said rigid member to be insertedthrough sequentially alternating links of a chain; a link chain having alength slightly greater than said rigid member and further, each link ofan inner diameter capable of acceptance of the longitudinalcross-sectional area of said rigid member; said chain having at itsupper end, a means of attachment suitable for fastening to the distalend of said lever arm; and said chain having at its lower end, a meansof attachment suitable for fastening to said flapper valve.
 10. Anapparatus as in claim 1 wherein the means of linkage further comprisessaid rigid member having regularly-spaced holes along its length; achain having a length slightly greater than said rigid member andfurther, said chain being inserted, in a lengthwise fashion, throughsaid holes in said rigid member; said chain having at its upper end, ameans of attachment suitable for fastening to the distal end of saidlever arm; and said chain having at its lower end, a means of attachmentsuitable for fastening to said flapper valve.
 11. An improved flushvalve mechanism for a toilet of the type typically having a waterreservoir, an orifice for water outflow from the reservoir, a drainvalve communicating between said orifice and a passageway to a toiletbowl, an overflow tube, a tank float, a pivotally-operated flappervalve, an external flush handle, a lever arm connected at its proximalend to said flush handle and connected at its distal end to a means oflinkage, and said means of linkage further connected to said flappervalve, the improvement residing in said flapper valve, which comprisesmaterials and structure such that said flapper valve manifests aspecific gravity greater than one (1.0).
 12. An apparatus as in any oneof claims I through 4, wherein said rigid member further comprises ameans of structurally adjusting, in suitable increments, the length ofsaid rigid member.
 13. An improved flush valve mechanism for a toilet ofthe type typically having a water reservoir, an orifice for wateroutflow from the reservoir, a drain valve communicating between saidorifice and a passageway to a toilet bowl, an overflow tube, a tankfloat, a pivotally-operated flapper valve, an external flush handle, alever arm connected at its proximal end to said flush handle andconnected at its distal end to a means of linkage, and said means oflinkage further connected to said flapper valve, the improvementresiding in the means of linkage, which comprises a chain constructed ofa length slightly greater than the vertical dimension between the distalend of said lever arm and the top surface of said flapper valve whensaid valve is in the closed position, such that when said lever movesdownward, the excess length of chain rests upon the top surface of saidflapper valve, causing said flapper valve to close; and any of a varietyof fastening mechanisms by means of which said chain may be attached atits upper end to the distal end of said lever arm and, at its lower end,to said flapper valve.
 14. An apparatus as in any of claims 1 through 4,or any of claims 7 through 9, further comprising a flapper valvecomprised of materials and structure such that said flapper valvemanifests a specific gravity greater than one (1.0).

installing a means of linkage comprising a vertically-oriented rigidmember, said rigid member having an upper end and a bottom end, withsaid upper end having an opening; inserting the distal end of said leverarm into said opening in the upper end of said rigid member; attaching alever arm retention mechanism proximate the distal end of said leverarm; and connecting the bottom end of said rigid member to said flappervalve by any of the means selected from the group consisting of a shortlength of chain, a spring, a hook, a pin, or an elastomeric connector.20. A method for conserving the use of water during the flush cycle of atoilet, said toilet typically having a water reservoir, an overflowtube, an orifice for water outflow from the reservoir, a drain valvecommunicating between said orifice and a passageway to a toilet bowl, anoverflow tube, a tank float, a pivotally-operated flapper valve, anexterior flush handle, a lever arm connected at its proximal end to theflush handle and connected at its distal end to a means of linkage, saidmeans of linkage further connected to the flapper valve, the methodcomprising the steps of removing the existing means of linkage; andinstalling a means of linkage comprising a chain having a length inexcess of the vertical dimension between the distal end of said leverarm and the top surface of said flapper valve when said valve is in theclosed position and further, having the weight of said excess chainlength greater than the weight of said flapper valve, so as to impartthe quality of negative buoyancy to said flapper valve.